In a major step toward strengthening disability inclusion in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has officially opened its doors to the Deafblind Cluster—one of the country’s most marginalized and least understood disability groups. The historic courtesy visit took place at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, signaling renewed national attention and support for persons who live with both hearing and visual impairments.
The delegation was led by the Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation, a frontline disability rights organization that has spent over five years working to identify, support, and unify individuals who are deafblind across Nigeria. Despite the severity of their condition, many persons within this group have remained hidden for years—shielded by families due to stigma, fear, and a lack of awareness.
According to data presented by the Foundation, 96 individuals who are deafblind have so far been identified nationwide. Disturbingly, only four of them are employed, just ten have received any form of education, and the overwhelming majority have been denied access to schooling or basic communication support. Even more heart-rending is the recent death of two members, whose health conditions went unnoticed by relatives because they could not communicate their distress.
During the meeting, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Okelola Solomon, highlighted urgent areas where government intervention is critical. These include bringing persons who are deafblind together for proper rehabilitation, ensuring their full representation within the disability community, expanding access to education and assistive services, and most importantly, revising the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act to clearly recognize the Deafblind Cluster as a distinct disability group.
He explained that the Foundation is supported by five professionals on its board and has already developed a roadmap to ensure sustainable progress for members of the deafblind community nationwide.
Responding warmly to the delegation, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD commended the Foundation for its remarkable effort in bringing visibility to this often-overlooked community. He reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to strengthening inclusion, stating that “the number one goal of the Commission is to include all disability clusters, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
He further emphasized that the NCPWD is currently expanding its national disability database, improving access to assistive technologies, and enhancing community-based interventions to ensure that the needs of every person with a disability—regardless of complexity—are met. The Executive Secretary praised the resilience of the deafblind community and reiterated the Commission’s belief that “there is indeed ability in disability.”
The Commission, in conclusion, formally congratulated Mr. Solomon and extended a full and warm welcome to the Deafblind Cluster, marking a new chapter of recognition, partnership, and advocacy for one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable disability groups.
The move highlights the NCPWD’s continuing role as a champion for inclusivity and an engine of change within Nigeria’s disability landscape.
